Big 12 Post Week 7 Power Rankings
1. Kansas State (Prev: 2)
Kansas State had the week off to prepare for their trip to Fort Worth. They moved up to the top spot once Oklahoma State lost. I chose them over TCU since they have two road conference wins, and their ability to win different games is also considered.
2. TCU (Prev: 3)
TCU was able to make a fourth quarter comeback from 14 points down. The game went into double overtime before TCU could finally prevail and win. Every game TCU has played has been high scoring, with the low mark being 38 points against Kansas and Colorado, and with a Kansas State defense coming in that only allows 16.7 points per game, this will be another big test for the Horned Frogs.
3. Oklahoma State (Prev: 1)
Oklahoma State had a two-touchdown lead in the fourth quarter but couldn’t close the game. Spencer Sanders had a shoulder injury, and he looked good early in the game, but it affected him late. It could be seen on the interception when he underthrew a wide receiver that was open downfield and could have scored, which would have likely sealed the game for the Cowboys. OSU goes home and will now welcome a Texas team looking to make a run to Arlington and the Big 12 Championship.
4. Texas (Prev: 5)
Texas was favored to win this game by more than two touchdowns, but the game ended up being a grind, and the Longhorns were able to come away with a win relying on a strong ground game going for 191 yards. Quinn Ewers finished on the drives with passing touchdowns. Texas now goes on the road to Stillwater to continue the conference schedule.
5. Kansas (Prev: 6)
Jalon Daniels couldn’t play, but the backup, Jason Bean, was solid with 265 yards and 4 touchdowns. He did have two interceptions, but the offense played well and stayed in the top half of the conference power rankings.
6. Baylor (Prev: 4)
Baylor made another trip to Morgantown, and another trip came away with a loss. Baylor is now 0-6 against West Virginia in Morgantown, while the Mountaineers have been in the Big 12. The season is not going the way people thought it would at the beginning of the season, but the Bears still have work to do and get to a solid bowl game.
7. West Virginia (Prev: 9)
The Mountaineers got their first win in the conference this year. This was a back-and-forth game, and a blocked extra point proved to be a pivotal point in the game. Baylor had just gone ahead by six and the extra point would have made it a seven-point game. Instead, the extra point was blocked and returned for two points for WVU. WVU would then score a touchdown on the next drive, and they were able to take the lead. Baylor was able to tie the game. However, WVU got a game-winning field goal with 0:33 left.
8. Oklahoma (Prev: 10)
Dillion Gabriel returned to play, and the offense came to life to get their first conference win after being shut out against Texas and only throwing for 38 yards. Gabriel threw for 403 yards and led the team to score 52 points. The defense still allowed 42 points to Kansas, which will need to be improved if they move up in the rankings.
9. Texas Tech (Prev: 7)
Texas Tech had the week off and will welcome West Virginia for an afternoon game.
10. Iowa State (Prev: 8)
Texas was 16 point favorite coming into the Iowa State game, and I bought into it. Iowa State has a good defense, but I wasn’t sure where the points would come from the offense. The defense could hold their own, and the Cyclones had a chance with Xavier Hutchinson being open and could walk in for the go-ahead score, but he dropped the ball. On the next play, Hunter Dekkers fumbles, and Texas wins. Iowa State is now 0-4 in conference play and will have the week off to get healthy and ready for the second half of the season.
